ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH
SHNORHALI MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
July 2023
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Special Prayer Celebrating the 125 Anniversary of the Armenian Diocese
On Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar celebrated Badarak followed by reading the testament, "կոնդակ"(gontag), issued by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Fr. Simeon also lead the parishioners in a special prayer celebrating the 125 Anniversary of the Armenian Diocese in America. https://armenianchurch.us/125-2/ . All our parishes in the Eastern Diocese joined in with their respective faithful on this special day honoring the legacy of Khrimian Hayrik.
We take this opportunity to thank Fr. Simeon for making the trip to be with us on this special occasion. We also extend our gratitude to our Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan for his spiritual guidance and pray for the safe return of our own Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan.
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The Feast of Transfiguration
The Feast of Transfiguration was celebrated at St. Mary on July 16, 2023. The church was adorned with beautiful flowers and candles, creating a sacred and reverent atmosphere. The day began with morning service, hymns, and prayers, setting the tone for our spiritual journey. During Badarak, in his sermon, Der Hovsep reflected on the significance of the Transfiguration of Christ. Through scriptural insights, we were reminded of how this event revealed Christ’s divine nature and served as a glimpse of His glory, encouraging us to seek transformation in our own lives and allowing God’s light to shine through us in our daily interactions.
Following Badarak, a special Andantan service took place, during which the four corners of the world were blessed, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all creation and the belief in God’s providential care for the world. It serves as a reminder of the Church’s call to seek God’s blessings not only for individuals but also for the entire world and all its inhabitants. Particular emphasis was given to praying for the peace, stability, and blessing of Armenia and Artsakh during these difficult days for our homeland.
On this occasion, parishioners were happy to welcome Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, Chief of General Staff of the Republic of Armenia, accompanied by Colonel Arman Mkrtchyan, Defense Attaché of the Republic of Armenia. Lieutenant General Asryan attended Badarak and joined us during fellowship hour, briefly updating our parishioners about the latest development in Armenia and Artsakh. He also presented Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan with a special award from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia.
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Project Kharpert 2022
On July 20th, St. Mary parishioners and friends enjoyed an exciting presentation by Ara Sarafian, Archival Historian and Executive Director of the Gomidas Institute.
Mr. Sarafian's illustrated presentation focused on his project "Kharpert 2022," highlighting the Armenian sites and church of the historic city Kharpet, which before the Genocide, was mainly populated by Armenians. He updated the attendees on his project and discussed ways to get involved. The presentation ended with a Q&A session. On this occasion, we were delighted to have the Armenian Assembly summer 2023 interns with us.
If you missed this rare opportunity, you are welcome to follow the updates on Social Media, dedicated Facebook page Projectkharpert2022. Those interested in learning about Mr. Sarafian's publications may visit St. Mary Gift Store to purchase the limited editions the store has acquired.
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Meet our 2023 Parish Council Officers:
President Der Hovsep Karapetyan;
Chair Shoghig Sahakyan;
Vice-Chair John Asadoorian;
Recording Secretary Svetlana Hovhanissyan;
Corresponding Secretary Shahnur Bostan;
Treasurer Jack Guiragossian;
Assistant Treasurer Catherine Sahakian;
Member Vazrik Nishanian;
Member Sean McCLure;
Member Ohannes Sivaslian
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Volunteer Corner
We extend our utmost appreciation to Anna Seferian for taking the initiative to offer altar flowers throughout the year. We welcome any parishioner who would like to adorn the church’s altar with flowers be it from their own garden or from a flower shop.
There are many ways we could serve our church and community. Please do not hesitate to share your skills and talents with us.
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Wedding
July 15, 2023
Garret Hallajian & Telma Marina Asslanian
Parents: Murat & Maryene Hallacoglu and Razmik & Karineh Asslanian
Best Man: Shawn Gocer
Maid of Honor: Melina Asslanian
Congratulations and may God make the newly married couple worthy of the desirable crown of Holy Matrimony.
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Funerals
June 25, 2023
Misho Sakian
Misho is survived by his wife, Lucy, two children, Tamar and Zaven, his son-in-law, Louis, and two grandchildren, Grayson and Sophia. He is also survived by his brother, Edik Sakian, and his wife Elso, and two sisters, Anaid Bedrosian and Elsik Martirosian, and her husband Heros, along with his six nieces Anita Anderson, Alenoosh Kohl, Madlen Zeher, Mania Mirosh, Arsine Sakian, and Elma King, and seven great nephews, Colin, Yuriy, Anthony, Nikolai, Brayden, Lukas, and Dylan, and 1 great niece, Leta.
May the Lord rest his soul in peace and grant His comforting Holy Spirit to the family members and friends.
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Hokehankists - Requiem Services
July 23, 2023
For the Soul of :
Richard G. Hovannisian
Requested by :
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan and the Parish Council
For the Souls of :
Zadig Ozbenian (1st anniversary), Hariknaz Ozbenian (7th anniversary), Misak Mermer (5th anniversary)
Requested by:
Mariam Mermer, Garo and Juliette Ozbenian, John and Jaqueline Ozbenian, their children, and families
For the Soul of:
Ani Keshishian (2nd anniversary)
Requested by:
Vartkes Keshishian, Mr. & Mrs. Yeprem Festekjian and family & Mr. & Mrs. Peter Festekjian and family
July 30, 2023
For the Soul of:
Mrs. Ojen Sivasli
Requested by:
Sivaslian, Koseian, Beckam, and Kulp families
For the Soul of:
Mr. Horen Kose
Requested by:
Koseian and Beckam families
May God rest their Souls in peace and may His loving favor be with their Loved Ones.
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church
Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Pastor
4125 Fessenden Street N.W, Washington, DC 20016
202-363-1923 / www.stmaryaac.org
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